MAAL Wines: A Sustainable Winery Designed with Recycled Materials

Located in the picturesque setting of Las Compuertas, Mendoza, Argentina, MAAL Wines is a sustainable winery designed by Mora Hughes Arquitectos. Completed in 2021, this 900-square-meter project combines innovative architectural solutions with environmental responsibility. By reusing locally sourced recycled materials, the design minimizes the carbon footprint while delivering a unique aesthetic that harmonizes with its surroundings.

The Vision of Sustainability

The client's primary objective was to create a winery that would embody sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. Mora Hughes Arquitectos embraced this challenge by focusing on the reuse of discarded materials, transforming them into functional and architectural elements. This design ethos not only upheld sustainable principles but also allowed the winery to connect deeply with its cultural and geographical context.

A Structure of Reclaimed Materials

The winery's structure is a testament to creative recycling. Oil drilling pipes form the main columns of the central nave, arranged in a grid pattern to provide robust support. Old rafters, salvaged from a derelict adobe warehouse, were repurposed to create a visually striking roof, with the pendentives inverted to achieve a modern yet warm aesthetic. Shipping containers were integrated as modular enclosures, housing functional spaces such as tasting rooms, wine shops, offices, and warehouses.

Challenges and Adaptive Design

The construction process faced numerous challenges, as materials were sourced from local demolitions and “chacaritas,” or scrapyards. This required constant adaptation and on-the-go design modifications. Despite these hurdles, the architects successfully turned limitations into opportunities, making each recovered element a narrative piece of the building's story.

Unique Recycled Elements

Every component of MAAL Wines carries a history. Wooden rafters from the mezzanine of an old winery were reimagined as partitions within the containers. Aluminum panels from the ceiling of the iconic Hotel Aconcagua were repurposed as cladding, adding a touch of elegance to the façade. Solid wood remnants from the construction were uniformly cut and transformed into cohesive finishes for the tasting room, enveloping the space in warmth and character.

Functionality Meets Innovation

The design of MAAL Wines balances aesthetics with the functional requirements of the winemaking process. The central nave's open plan ensures seamless workflow, while the surrounding modular containers offer well-defined spaces for various operational needs. This marriage of function and innovation demonstrates the potential of sustainable architecture in creating efficient, beautiful, and environmentally responsible structures.

A Collaborative Achievement

The collaboration between Mora Hughes Arquitectos and the client was instrumental in realizing this project. The shared commitment to sustainability and creativity not only reduced the environmental impact but also resulted in a building that reflects authenticity and respect for its surroundings. MAAL Wines serves as a model for how architecture can harmoniously combine reclaimed materials, innovative design, and functionality.

MAAL Wines exemplifies how sustainable winery architecture can achieve environmental responsibility without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. Mora Hughes Arquitectos have crafted a space that not only supports the winemaking process but also tells a story of resourcefulness and creativity. This project stands as an inspiration for sustainable architectural practices, setting a new standard in the design of eco-friendly wineries.

All Photographs are work of Luis Abba